Tale of Shree Nabhakraj

Author(s): Merutungacharya, Gunsundarvijay
Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust

Page 47

PENANCE - THE BEST REMEDY OF ALL SINS
On the 30th day of his penance with 2 conservative days fasting, in the Brahmmuhurt (in the last 96 minute before sunrise.) he saw 4 cats which looked like mongoose and were of strange appearance in front of him. Those cats were weak and thinner than as seen before. Guessing that 'as a result of penance; my sins of killing, Brahmin and others are becoming thinner and weaker, 'Now he started Atthama (fasting continuous for 3 days) and on the day of pāranā to eat food for one day then again 3 days' fasting). After penance of one month in this manner, he saw 4 cats having colour and size of a big rat - smaller than as seen earlier. Considering again, that his sins are becoming lesser and weaker he then started 4 days' continuous fasts - one day to eat - four fasts and so on till one month (total 6 times 4 days' fasting and 6 days to eat in between those fastings). Upon completion of this penance, he saw those 4 cat in size of a rat and with white complexion. He clearly visualize the fruits-effects of the penance and became more joyful and happy and performed penance of 5 continuous fastings and thereafter one day to eat then again 5 day's continuous fastings and so on for further one month (Thus, total 25 days of fastings and 5 days to eat in between those fasting days).
On the 29th day of this penance, with somewhat sleep and while chanting of Namaskār Mahamantra (i.e. Shree Navkār), he saw a dream as follows :- 'I was on the 1st footstep of a crystalmountain, some very old and weakened man pushed me from there. But, I reached on the 2nd footstep, then on the 3rd footstep and so on till I reached at the top of the mountain, where there was a heap of pearl.'
He narrated all these to the worthy Gurus-preceptors and inquired about its' fruit. They said- 'O worthy noble soul! Listen! The mountain of crystal means the religion preached by Shree Jineshwardev (the God), the 1st footstep means the human-birth. Here, your remaining past obstructing karmas smashes / throws you down, even then you shall proceed ahead and upwards by performing religion with sincerity. Upon completion of your lifespan here, you will become a deity in Achyut Devlok (Heaven). 41...